Great news if you're 18: you can now get 50% off train fares for a whole year

If you're 18, or you have an 18-year-old son or daughter, there's some welcome news that could save you hundreds of pounds.

The government is changing the rules for the 16 - 17 saver railcard, meaning many young people will be able to keep travelling with half-price train fares until they turn 19.

What's changing?

At the moment, the 16 - 17 saver railcard expires when the holder turns 18.

From 17 August 2026, the railcard will instead be valid for a full 12 months from the date you buy it.

That means if you buy the railcard the day before your 18th birthday, you can continue getting 50% off most train fares until the day before you turn 19.

The railcard costs £35 a year, making it well worth considering if you travel regularly by train.

Why does it matter?

Under the old rules, students who turned 18 earlier in the academic year could lose their discount months before classmates who were born later.

The government estimates that more than 70,000 students each year were left an average of £175 worse off because of the previous cut-off.

It says the change will help with the cost of living while also encouraging more people to travel by rail.

Don't forget about other railcards

If the 16 - 17 saver isn't right for you, there are plenty of other railcards that can help you save.

Most railcards give you one-third off eligible train fares. They usually cost £35 for one year or £80 for three years, although some have different prices.

• 16 - 17 saver railcard – 50% off most adult fares.
• 16 - 25 railcard – one-third off adult fares.
• 26 - 30 railcard – one-third off adult fares.
• Disabled person's railcard – costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. Gives one-third off for you and an adult companion.
• Family & friends railcard – one-third off adult fares and 60% off children's fares on most journeys.
• HM forces railcard – costs £21 for one year (available through your unit HR administrator). Gives one-third off adult fares and 60% off children's fares.
• Network railcard – one-third off most adult fares and 60% off child fares across London and the South East.
• Senior railcard – one-third off adult fares. Costs £35 for one year or £80 for three years, with some councils offering additional discounts.
• Veterans railcard – one-third off adult fares and 60% off children's fares.
• Two together railcard – one-third off adult fares when two named people travel together.

Before you book your next journey, it's worth checking whether there's a railcard that could save you money. Even if you only travel a few times a year, the savings can quickly add up.